Holiday Decoration Tips

With the holidays in full swing, you probably want your house to look festive in celebration of the season. However, if you do not consider yourself artistic or creative, it can be a challenge to really create that special look. From the tree to your bathroom and beyond, here are some holiday decoration tips that can make your home look perfect for Christmas.

Tip #1: Stick to a theme in your home.

Some people like to change the theme from room to room, but at the very least, coordinate your decorations in the house to keep things looking pulled together, not random and cheap. “Christmas” is to general a theme. Instead, think in terms of color (perhaps you may decorate using gold, for example) or location (how would a German Christmas house look as compared to a Caribbean Christmas?) or even character (snowmen and Santa are popular, but you can also go with Rudolf, Jack from the Nightmare before Christmas, or other specific characters). Your theme can also revolve around something that is not traditionally Christmas-y. For example, if you like a certain sports team, you can find ornaments that celebrate this team and use Christmas garland and other decorations in your team’s colors.

Tip #2: Use glass vases filled with Christmas items.

No matter what the overall theme or mood, you can use glass vases (and other glass containers) in a variety of shapes and sizes to enhance the look of your Christmas décor. Fill them with chestnuts and berries for a natural winter look, Christmas candy or jellybeans if you want something whimsical, or simply ball ornaments in whatever color works for you.

Tip #3: Use posters in the windows of your home.

Translucent window posters are beautiful for the holiday season. These window clings reflect the sun during the day, and at night, your lights will make them glow to everyone outside. Window posters come in a variety of designs, including the fanciful Santa or the more formal Christmas tree. If you are not interested in a window poster, think about your window decorations in a more traditional way. Hang garland and lights, and put your tree by a window so that those outside can see it lit up in the evenings.

Tip #4: Do not forget the scent of your home.

While you may just be concentrating on decorations you can see, much of the mood of a room comes from what we smell. Think about your feelings as you walk into your house, and someone has been baking cookies! For a holiday scent, try a scented candle or tart warmer, or look for an oil diffuser. Pick winter scents, like gingerbread, spice, and peppermint to compliment your home. Make sure you especially use scents in places that typically need air fresheners, like your entry way and bathroom.

Tip #5: Go green for Christmas!

Your Christmas decorations do not have to be bad for the environment. Consider purchasing Christmas lights that are recharged during the day by sunlight. These solar lights will last a few hours into the night and do not suck electricity like normal Christmas lights. You also don’t have to worry about turning them on or off at night. In addition to solar-powered Christmas lights; think about ways that you can turn other items into a Christmas ornament. For example, you can use old Christmas cards to create ornaments for your tree.

Tip #6: Use lights.

Even if you are not creative, you can make a big statement using lights in your home. They are not just for the tree! String Christmas lights around the room at the ceiling, twist them around banisters leading upstairs, or even use them to frame windows. White lights can actually be kept up year-round or at least through the winter. You can also find lighted curtains, mantel scarves, and so forth to decorate your home.

Tip #7: Play Christmas music.

Just like certain scents, sounds can also enhance your decorations. Find some CDs filled with your favorite Christmas music, or fill your iPod with Christmas songs. You can play these songs on loop during a party or while entertaining a few guest. You can also play these songs while you are baking Christmas cookies, decorating the tree, doing housework, or just enjoying a quiet evening at home with your family or by yourself. It can really help you get into the holiday spirit.

The bottom line is that you do not have be super creative or spend a lot of money to make your house look beautiful for the holidays. Just a few simple touches can really make your home beautiful for the winter season. In just one afternoon, you can transform your house to a beautiful holiday wonderland. Next time you begin decorating for the holidays, you should consider these tips.